The efforts undertaken by the Mann government to make the 650th Parkash Purb of Sri Guru Ravidas Ji a historic event are highly commendable – Sant Nirmal Das (Jode Wale)

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): A high-level meeting was convened at the office of the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board to plan a historic and grand celebration for the 650th Parkash Purb of Sant Shiromani Sri Guru Ravidas Ji. This significant meeting was presided over by revered saints, spiritual leaders, and distinguished scholars representing various Deras (spiritual centers). Representatives from diverse sections of society, along with Deepak Bali—General Secretary of the Aam Aadmi Party and Advisor to the Punjab Heritage and Tourism Promotion Board—also participated in the meeting and shared their valuable suggestions.

Prominent attendees at the meeting included Sant Nirmal Das Ji (Jode Wale), Sant Gurdeep Giri Ji (Pathankot Wale), Sant Mandeep Das Ji (Dera Balla), Sant Pradeep Das Ji (Dera Kathar), Sant Kewal Ji (Tapsthan Sri Khuralgarh), Sant Inder Das Ji (Shekhe), and scholars/dignitaries such as Shri Rajkumar Hans, Soma Atri, Bibi Santosh Kaur, and Parvinder Kaur Banga. Additionally, Sanjeev Tiwari, Director of the Department of Culture, also joined the meeting to discuss various aspects related to the organization of the event.

Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Bali welcomed all the saints, spiritual leaders, and guests, stating that the 650th Parkash Purb of Guru Ravidas Ji is not merely a religious event, but also a significant opportunity to propagate the message of social harmony, equality, and humanity. He stated that the Punjab government is committed to celebrating this historic occasion with immense reverence and grandeur, and extensive preparations for this purpose have already commenced.

Deepak Bali informed that, to mark the occasion of Prakash Parv (the birth anniversary celebrations), four grand processions (Shobha Yatras) will be organized. These processions will originate from various locations and traverse through different cities and villages across Punjab. The first procession will begin in Banaras, the birthplace of Guru Ravidas Ji. The second procession will set out from Bathinda, the third from Faridkot, and the fourth from Jammu. Through these processions, an earnest effort will be made to disseminate the messages and teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji to every section of society.

He further noted that these processions will witness the participation of a large number of devotees, representatives of the saint community, social organizations, and various religious institutions. Along the routes, devotees will organize welcome ceremonies at various points, and the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji will be propagated through devotional music and Kirtan.

During the meeting, it was also decided that, on this special occasion, a high-quality documentary film—based on the life, social contributions, and message of humanity espoused by Guru Ravidas Ji—will be screened in every village across Punjab. Through this documentary, the youth and future generations will be introduced to the philosophy of Guru Ravidas Ji and the social reforms he spearheaded.

Deepak Bali added that modern technology would also be utilized to make this *Prakash Parv* a truly memorable event. As part of this initiative, a spectacular 20-minute drone show will be organized in every assembly constituency, employing light and technology to visually depict significant episodes from the life of Guru Ravidas Ji and convey his messages.

He stated that, by linking this historic occasion with environmental conservation, a large-scale tree-plantation drive will also be undertaken in every district of Punjab. Under this initiative, a target has been set to plant 650,000 saplings in each district, ensuring that the message of nature conservation reaches society alongside the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji.

Furthermore, to foster enthusiasm and enhance social awareness among the youth, a special bicycle marathon involving 650 cyclists will be organized in every district. Traversing through various cities and towns, this marathon will raise awareness among the public regarding the teachings of Guru Ravidas Ji and the importance of equality within society.

The saints and spiritual leaders present at the meeting lauded the efforts being undertaken by the Punjab government. They remarked that, throughout his life, Guru Ravidas Ji propagated a message of equality, brotherhood, and humanity to society—ideals that remain just as relevant today. The community of saints expressed their confidence that all these programs, organized under the aegis of the government, would prove to be immensely successful and historic.

On this occasion, the saints also extended their special gratitude to the Chief Minister of Punjab, S. Bhagwant Singh Mann. They noted that the government's allocation of a budget of ₹100 crore for the organization of Guru Ravidas Ji's 650th *Prakash Parv* (birth anniversary) reflects its deep respect and reverence for the saint community and the devotees.

At the conclusion of the meeting, all the participating saints, scholars, and guests were felicitated. Furthermore, a collective pledge was taken to celebrate Guru Ravidas Ji's 650th *Prakash Parv* across the entire state of Punjab with deep reverence, enthusiasm, and a spirit of social unity, ensuring that Guru Ravidas Ji's teachings and his message of humanity reach every single household.